Battery Guide No. 5 2 Battery warranty ACDelco Batteries are warranted throughout Australia against faulty workmanship and materials. Depending on the battery and application the amount of time covered varies, refer to the table below for details. If an ACDelco Battery is defective (other than for the warranty exclusions specified below) during that period, we will replace or repair it at our cost. To make a claim please return the part to the place of purchase, or your nearest authorised ACDelco stockists. Our goods come with guarantees that cannot be excluded under the Australian Consumer Law. You are entitled to a replacement or refund for a major failure and for compensation for any other reasonably foreseeable loss or damage. You are also entitled to have the goods repaired or replaced if the goods fail to be of acceptable quality and the failure does not amount to a major failure. The benefits under this warranty are in addition to other rights and remedies you may have at law. This voluntary warranty is given by GM Holden Ltd (trading as ACDelco) of 191 Salmon Street, Port Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. For customer assistance, please call us toll free on 1800 ACDelco (1800 223 352). CAR & SUV Vehicles Trucks/ Cranking/ PRIVATE USE Cycling fitted with BATTERY TYPE 4WD Commercial Taxi Marine Marine (EXCL. Applications Stop/Start /Industrial Applications STOP/START) System SMF - SEALED MAINTENANCE FREE 36 Months 12 Months 12 Months 6 Months 24 Months - - - AGM - ABSORBED GLASS MAT 36 Months 36 Months 12 Months 6 Months - - - 18 Months EFB - ENHANCED FLOODED BATTERY 36 Months 12 Months 12 Months 6 Months - - - 18 Months LMA - LOW MAINTENANCE ACCESSIBLE 24 Months 12 Months 12 Months 6 Months - - - - DEEP CYCLE (HCM SERIES) - - - - - 6 Months 24 Months - Warranty commences from date of purchase. WARRANTY CONDITIONS This warranty does not cover: Normal wear and tear. Labour for removal, and replacement of the unit, from the vehicle unless prior written approval has been obtained from ACDelco. Parts which have been subjected to deliberate abuse. Conditions resulting from abnormal wear, negligence, alterations or accidents. Incorrect fitment. Parts used in an incorrect application or parts that are not used for their intended purpose. WARRANTY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Q. Will using ACDelco parts void my new vehicle warranty offered by the vehicle manufacturer? A. As ACDelco products are made to exacting standards, their use should not affect your vehicle warranty provided the correct part is used and is correctly fitted. However, if the use of a correctly installed ACDelco part causes a component failure in your vehicle that is not covered by the manufacturer, ACDelco will, subject to the above Warranty Conditions, cover the cost of repair. Q. The manufacturer of my vehicle has rejected a warranty claim as they are claiming the failure was caused by a faulty ACDelco part, will ACDelco cover the repairs? A. In the unlikely event that it is determined that an ACDelco part has lead to a component failure in your vehicle ACDelco will cover the cost of the repair, subject to the above Warranty Conditions. Q. How do I make a warranty claim? A. In the first instance contact the place of purchase. Should you require further assistance contact ACDelco on 1800 223 352. COPYRIGHT STATEMENT No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, including but not limited to electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of ACDelco. This includes all texts, illustrations, tables and charts. 3 Battery guide no. 5 - contents WARRANTY ACDelco Battery Warranty 2 PRODUCT INFORMATION AGM and EFB Batteries 4 Choosing The Correct Battery 5 WORK SHOP GUIDE Battery Safety Precautions 6 Checking Batteries 7 Understanding Battery Terminology 8 Battery Installation Guidelines 9 Recharging Batteries 10 General Jump Starting Procedure 11 BATTERY CARE General Guidelines 12 Possible Failure Causes 13 APPLICATION LISTING Cars & Light Commercials 14 OTHER REFERENCES Sealed Maintenance Free Battery Specifications - 12 Volt / AGM and EFB Batteries 51 Low Maintenance Accessible Battery Specifications - 12 Volt 54 Applications of ACDelco Batteries 55 Notes 56 4 AGM and EFB Batteries Since ACDelco invented the Sealed Maintenance Free battery, we have been at the forefront of new technology. The new range of ACDelco AGM and EFB batteries feature key new technologies to meet the demanding requirements of modern vehicles with Stop/Start technology. With a global focus on clean air and green technology, vehicle manufacturers are producing, designing and selling more and more models with Stop/Start fuel saving features. By 2015 it is estimated that 70% of vehicles made and sold in the European Union will feature this technology. With the ability to handle a greater depth of discharge, AGM and EFB batteries are also the right choice for high demand applications such as taxi’s, couriers and off-road vehicles. Talk to your ACDelco Stockist today to learn more. EFB - ENHANCED FLOODED BATTERY Evolved from the proven Sealed Maintenance Free range, our new EFB batteries are designed and manufactured to perform under the toughest conditions. Ultra high density plate material for high corrosion resistance Increased charge acceptance High depth of discharge lifecycle Wrought expanded grids with higher Sn (Tin) content Ideally suited to active management charging systems, high demand applications. AGM - ABSORBED GLASS MAT Designed specially to handle the high demands placed on starting batteries by advanced vehicle systems. High compression fleece separator Over double the cycle life compared with regular lead acid batteries Maintenance free - completely leak and spill proof Advanced construction - complex polypropylene case, high precision cold formed battery terminals, six safety valves High depth of discharge lifecycle Greater resistance to vibration 5 Choosing the correct ACDelco Battery SELECTING THE RIGHT TYPE OF ACDELCO BATTERY It is important to choose the correct type of ACDelco battery to suit your needs (what you intend to use it for), for example: Cranking only (typical passenger car use), Deep Cycle (marine or recreation use) or any of the hybrid combinations that are available. Your local ACDelco Battery Stockist can help you choose the right ACDelco Battery to meet your power needs. SELECTING THE RIGHT SIZE ACDELCO BATTERY As a guide, the chart below will help you identify the correct size ACDelco Battery you will need to meet your Ah requirements. Calculate your requirements as shown. Equipment Used Load (Watts) Estimated Hours Watts Hours Lights 25 X 4 100 Fridge 50 X 8 400 Radio 10 X 8 80 Total Watt Hours 580 Once you have calculated the total Watt Hours then: Divide the total Watt Hours by the voltage used multiplied by 0.8 to obtain your requirement* Then add a further 25% safety margin for cable loss, over use and other contingencies (add 20% more if using the battery to crank an engine) * The 0.8 reflects the maximum discharge allowance for a dedicated deep cycle battery, the discharge allowance is 40% (0.4) for cranking batteries and 60% (0.6) for marine batteries. E.g. Total Watt Hours 580 / 9.6 (12 volts x 0.8) = 60.4 Ah + 25% = 75.5 Ah Using this calculation means that you require a battery that can supply 75.5 Ah per day, this also means that it requires this amount to be replenished each day by a power source e.g. solar panel, generator or vehicle alternator. Choosing the right size battery will save you time and money in the long run. DISCHARGE AND CHARGING RECOMMENDATIONS To achieve maximum life, batteries should not be discharged below the recommended depth of discharge: 80% for deep cycle batteries 40% for cranking batteries 60% for marine batteries And should be recharged as soon as possible after discharge. Batteries should be stored in a fully charged state or it will permanently reduce their capacity and longevity. Use of a multi stage charger is strongly recommended for all calcium batteries to help achieve maximum life between charges. Please contact your local ACDelco Stockist for any information or help you require. 6 Battery safety precautions* CORRECT LIFTING PROCEDURE Caution batteries are heavy therefore ACDelco recommends using correct lifting procedure when handling. USE A SEALED BATTERY TO HELP AVOID BATTERY ACID BURNS Wherever possible, use a Sealed Maintenance Free Battery to all but eliminate the risk of contact with battery acid under normal conditions. Use extreme care, especially when handling a conventional or a non sealed maintenance free battery as you are more likely to accidentally come into contact with battery acid / electrolyte. IF ELECTROLYTE IS SPILLED If electrolyte is spilled or splashed onto clothing or the body, wash with water and neutralize with a solution of baking soda and water. Electrolyte splashed into eyes is extremely dangerous. If this occurs, gently open eyes and wash with cool clean water for 5 minutes. Call a doctor. IF ELECTROLYTE IS SWALLOWED Drink lots of water or milk. Follow with milk of magnesia, beaten eggs or vegetable oil. Call a doctor. PREPARING ELECTROLYTE Using rubber gloves is a good idea when handling a battery, a must when handling electrolytes. Always add the concentrated acid to the water never add water to the acid. ELECTROLYTE STORAGE Electrolyte should be stored in plastic containers with a sealed cover. Do not store in the sun or near any other heat source. EXPLOSIVE RISK Batteries generate explosive gases during operation and when charged. Keep batteries away from flames, sparks, burning cigarettes or other ignition sources. Avoid placing any metallic objects on top of the battery as it could cause shorting. VENTILATE AND PROTECT YOUR EYES When charging batteries, always shield eyes and work in a well-ventilated area never in a closed room.